Oil marketing companies (OMCs) are deliberating the logistics associated with offering petrol blended with 10 per cent ethanol (E10) at the retail outlets (ROs) parallel to the E20 fuel variant. 

Speaking at a post-AGM media briefing, Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) CMD Sanjay Khanna said on Thursday “We are considering various aspects of (supplying) E10 fuel. However nothing has been finalised.”

On the aspects being considered for offering E10 at fuel bunks, Khanna said “Coming to the E10, yes, that is one thing that is being talked about. But again, nothing has been finalised. But to answer your question, what if it happens? What are the changes that will be required? I will say nothing because we already established E20. It’s only a matter of changing from E20 to E10, or suppose it has to be done. On that account, we don’t see as a company any challenge. For that matter, none of the oil companies will be challenged to go from E20 to E10. Earlier also this question was asked about the logistic challenges. On that account, I can only say that we don’t see any challenge.”

The comments by the Head of India’s second largest fuel retailer, operating more than 25,480 ROs, comes in the backdrop of the Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran pitching to restore the lower-ethanol option. “Restoring a lower blend at the pumps, say, E10, alongside the ⁠option to ‌buy E20, would calm most public concern,” he wrote in a recent op-ed article.

no alterations required

Monty Sehgal, national spokesperson for the Federation of All India Petroleum Traders, emphasised that OMCs can leverage the existing infrastructure for premium fuels such as 95-octane to sell E10 fuel without altering basic retail tanks.

“Providing ‘95 octane’ branded fuels with 10 per cent ethanol is quite easy for the OMCs. Blending is not done at the refinery end, but at the depot. Besides, there is no need to change tanks or delivery units,” he added.

Khanna explained that the challenges such as those related to supplying (E10) and whether the ROs can handle another grade of petrol simultaneously are being vetted out.

“They are being worked out right now. That is the reason that we don’t have any ready answer. But definitely, this was one of the options which was being pursued. In what form it will come, to what extent it will come? Those details are being worked out at this juncture,” he added.

in a statement late Thursday night, BPCL said that There is no proposal to replace the existing E20 blended Petrol with E10,

“His (BPCL CMD) response is being misquoted to suggest as if E10 is being considered as an option, which is not correct. Large-scale field experience from millions of vehicles operating on E20 fuel for more than last 3 years, has not shown any evidence of engine damage or any other concerns. E20 contributes to reducing pollution, creating rural prosperity and saving foreign exchange. BPCL continues to support the national ethanol blending programme and remains committed to ensuring fuel quality,” it added.

Published on August 27, 2026